THE PROS & CONS OF DIESEL PUSHERS
In the world of RVs, Class A motorhomes are generally the largest and most well-equipped of all motorhomes. Diesel pusher motorhomes are a type of Class A motorhome that is distinct from their gas-powered counterparts in that they use a diesel engine mounted in the rear of the motorhome. This set-up is similar to a commercial motorcoach or bus line, but that won’t necessarily be perfect for every family. We here at Beaver Coach Sales have gathered some of the pros and cons to diesel pusher ownership so you can decide for yourself if these RVs are right for you. To get a better idea of whether or not if a diesel pusher is for you, stop by our dealership and showroom in Bend, Oregon. We proudly serve Portland and Salem, Oregon, as well as Seattle, Washington, and Redding, California.
CONS
Diesel pushers are a great option for many people, but they have some drawbacks:
- Sticker Shock
When you first walk onto the lot at your local RV dealership, you might experience a bit of sticker shock when looking at bigger, more luxurious models. This is natural, considering it’s not everyday that most people purchase something that can easily cost six figures. (It’s worth thinking about everything you get for your money though. Plus, many dealerships offer financing options that make motorhomes affordable for the monthly budget.) - Diesel Maintenance Costs
One inescapable truth is that it’s more expensive to work on diesel engines than gasoline ones. This is due in part to the fact that diesel mechanics go through special training, and are thus less common in the work force. When something goes wrong with your RV, it might cost more than it would were your RV powered by a gasoline engine. - Maneuverability
Driving a motorhome, whether it be gas or diesel-powered, is simply more complicated than driving a pickup or hatchback. With some models topping out at over 40 feet long, 13 feet high, and several tons in weight, it’s no wonder why they’re different to drive. Driving downtown in a city probably won’t be a very pleasant experience, and you’ll want to get some practice in an abandoned parking lot before you head out on the open road by yourself.
PROS
Now that we’ve covered some of the drawbacks, let’s look at some of the things that make a diesel pusher so great.
- Longevity
While maintenance for diesel engines may cost more than it would for a gasoline engine, maintenance is needed much less frequently than it would be for a gas engine. Diesel engines will keep running for decades without problem, and many engines get several hundred thousand miles under their belts without calling it quits. If you want to ensure the long term usability of your RV, diesel is the obvious choice. - Features
As Class A motorhomes, diesel pushers often offer the pinnacle in features and amenities. You probably won’t have trouble having a manufacturer who builds RV as fully loaded as you want. Tiffin motorhomes, for example, are one of the most respected luxury Class A motorhome manufacturers out there. From fully-loaded kitchens to residential-style furniture and decor, Class A motorhomes offer more comfort per mile. - Ride Comfort
Riding in the tow vehicle while pulling a travel trailer is rarely comfortable because it’s hard to stretch out your legs and you can’t move about the cabin. In a Class A motorhome, on the other hand, you have all the freedom you want. Long trips especially benefit from this freedom.Stop by Beaver Coach Sales when you’re ready to see the difference a dedicated motorhome dealer can make in your shopping experience. We offer excellent motorhomes from the top brands and we can help you find the diesel pusher of your dreams. Located in Bend, we proudly serve Portland and Salem, Oregon as well as Seattle, Washington and Redding, California, too.